Saracens go toe-to-toe with the defending champs at StoneX

A mouth-watering clash awaits Premiership fans this weekend as the two finalists from the 2021-22 tournament lock horns at the StoneX Stadium on Saturday.  

Recent history tells us that the combination of these two teams on a pitch translates into quality rugby and, if Round 3 is anything to go by, another humdinger is on the cards.  

Last week, both sides were victorious with 41 points on the board, though Leicester’s 20-point victory over Northampton Saints was more convincing than Sarries’ 2-point win over Gloucester: 

A look at the last time the sides clashed: 

From the camps: 

Saracens: 

“This season we have a new focus on ourselves and how we can get better. We want to be a team that can adapt to anything and we want to play what’s in front of us, which we’ll have to do against a strong Leicester side.” - Billy Vunipola. 

Leicester Tigers: 

"It is a very impressive group, with superstars from 1-23 and beyond," Leicester boss Steve Borthwick said. 

"We know it is a difficult challenge, going there and coming up against a squad of their quality. 

"You just have to look at the confidence they play with, having been together for such an awful long time and playing together at the very high level they have during that time. 

"Ultimately though, we only look at what we can do better and this week has been about preparing as best we can to go to Saracens and deliver a performance our supporters can be proud of on Saturday. 

"We are excited, as we are every week we get the privilege of going out and representing Leicester Tigers. 

"It is our next game, we aren't looking back at what we have done in recent weeks this season and definitely not looking back at last season; the focus for us is Saturday with this group. 

"Almost a third of our squad is new this season, we are looking forward and looking forward to Saturday - because why wouldn't you look forward to an opportunity like this against what has been the benchmark in the game for so long." 

Match Facts: 

Saracens 

• Of any player who has played 100 minutes or more so far this season, Billy Vunipola has averaged the highest number of offloads per 80 minutes, throwing 3.1. 
• True to form, Max Malins has returned to Premiership rugby and to the top-try scorer podium, having scored three in two appearances; George McGuigan and Cadan Murley are just one try ahead in these early stages of the season. 
• Showing their quality in the opening rounds and no doubt keen to avenge their Premiership Grand Final loss to Leicester Tigers at the end of last season, Owen Farrell and Elliot Daly have thrown the highest number of try passes so far this season for Saracens. 

Leicester Tigers 

• Indomitable at the breakdown, Leicester Tigers boast the highest rate of ball retention at both the ruck and the maul, managing to retain possession through 94% and 99% respectively. 
• The Tigers made more metres than any other side at the weekend (627); 214 of these metres were in contact. 
• Freddie Steward's hattrick was his first in the Premiership; he was industrious in all elements' of Leicester's attack, making 130 metres from his 20 carries - the highest number of carries of the round. 
• Giant Nemani Nadolo made 31 metres in contact, the most by a back so far this season. 

Historical 

• Saracens have beaten Leicester Tigers on the last three occasions that they have played at home. 
• The Tigers have had a mixed record on the road of late, alternating between wins and losses in their last seven away fixtures. 
• Leicester Tigers’ opening round loss to Exeter Chiefs at the death was a shade on what has otherwise been a sensational streak of victories for the Tigers. This loss is their only one in their last eight games.